Illinois one of the deadliest states for impaired driving

November 28, 2005 (WLS) -- As we head into December, a month filled with holiday parties, a physician-led traffic safety group listing the 15 states that have the highest number of alcohol related traffic fatalities. Illinois is in that group.

It's not a title to be proud of. Traffic safety groups, physicians and local authorities announced their annual list of the fatal 15 - the 15 deadliest states for impaired driving.

"The fatal 15 are states in which 41-percent or more of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related," said Dr. Andrea Barthwell, co-chair, END.

Heading the list is Rhode Island at 50.6-percent, Wisconsin is number 7 at 45.2-percent and Illinois is right behind at 44.5-percent. It's the second year Illinois made the list. While stricter DUI laws have resulted in reductions in alcohol-related traffic deaths, last year nearly 17,000 motorists were killed nationwide in DUI crashes - more than 2,000 were teens.

"The combination of inexperience behind the wheel, combined with alcohol use or other drugs is of particular concern to us," said John Ulczycki, National Safety Council.

The other part of this safety message is aimed at young drivers; it comes in the form of a contract between teen drivers and their parents.

Under the heading, give your parents the only gift they want this holiday  you safely home, this contract addresses not only impaired driving, but other teen driving issues from seatbelt and passenger laws to curfew and vehicle equipment.

"You know, you always tell them when they leave, call me when you get to such and such place, call me, be careful, but this is actually a chance for us to sit down and have a prolonged conversation on those safety issues and things she should be doing all the time anyway," said Cheryl Cato, Parent Of New Driver.

The "You Safely Home" contract is available through the traffic safety group END -- or at discount tire stores in Illinois. For more information visit www.EndNeedlessDeath.org.

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